The Rams were a bit short-handed, with several key players involved in Waltrip's football playoff game against Friendswood. But they put up a valiant fight in a 41-38 setback to Westfield in the semifinals before holding off Strake Jesuit 49-48 in the third-place game.

Earlier in the tourney, the Rams knocked off Beaumont Ozen 55-39 before edging Mayde Creek 70-66 in overtime.

“We very easily could have gone 1-3, but we controlled the tempo and played strong defense,” Kelly said. “We figured out how to win close games.”

Waltrip, which also owns victories over Galena Park 62-56 and Sterling 60-41, were 5-1 overall heading to the Katy Classic last week.

“It's a fantastic start, even better than I anticipated,” Kelly said.

With several players returning from injuries in the coming weeks, the long-term forecast for Waltrip hoops is optimistic. The Rams possess the talent to improve on last year's 16-10 record and 10-4 mark in District 21-4A.

Winning the District 21-4A title could prove problematic, with top-ranked and defending Class 4A state champion Yates favored to bully the competition.

“It would be a monumental upset if anybody can beat Yates. The real fight is for second place,” said Kelly, who anticipates a fierce battle with Reagan, Sharpstown and Westbury.

But Waltrip have one of the league's top players in junior Kin Bolton. The 6-foot-5 post, a three-year starter and returning first-team, all-district performer, is averaging 17 points and 10 points per game.

“Kin is the most gifted kid we've had at Waltrip in a while,” Kelly said. “He plays the game above the rim. He's aggressive on both ends of the floor. The numbers he's putting up are foolish.”

Fortunately for the Rams, they aren't a one-man team.

Milton Washington, a 6-0 senior, is an explosive combo guard who is averaging 15 points and three assists. Washington plays both the point guard and off-guard positions.

“Milton is a three-year varsity player,” Kelly said. “It's his senior year and he really understands what we're trying to do. He's worked on his defense and has become a solid player.”

Denzel Livingston, a 6-0 junior, is the other guard. Livingston also is scoring in double figures (11 points) for Waltrip. Livingston poured in a game-high 23 points against Sterling.

“Denzel is very offensive-minded, a pure scorer,” Kelly said. “He's worked on his shot selection. He's doing everything much better.”

Playing the wing is 6-2 freshman Branden Ardoin, a rising star who could be one of the top rookies in District 21-4A.

“Branden is only 14 years old, but he has a lot of talent,” Kelly said. “He scored seven points against Strake Jesuit and hit two big 3-pointers. He understands how to play defense, which is unusual for someone his age. He's going places.”

Eric Rodriguez, a 6-3 senior, is the power forward. Rodriguez (four points, five rebounds) has been a force inside the paint playing alongside Bolton.

“Eric started as a junior,” Kelly said. “We rely on his rebounding and defense. He knows his role and executes it.”